Breaking the Taboo of Vaginal Health & Self-care

Sometimes speaking about your vaginal health even within your girl group can be an awkward experience. Unfortunately, there’s this stigma around it that prevents it from being discussed as openly as it should. The truth is vaginal health has an undeniable health influence on the overall well-being of all women. Thus, having open dialogues on this matter is a great step forward in breaking down the taboo surrounding it, allowing for more awareness of any health irregularities to your vagina. Here are a few useful vaginal care tips you can practice to keep your V-health in check.

 

Washing Your Vulva

The vulva and vagina are both part of the female genitalia but there are those who are unsure of their differences. Simply put, the vulva is on the outside and the vagina (also known as the birth canal), is on the inside. While the vagina is self-cleaning through the secretion of discharge, the vulva itself requires regular washing. Experts suggest using warm water and mild soap to avoid any form of irritation. Another option to maintain vaginal hygiene and prevent discomfort is to use a feminine wash that is free from astringents.

 

Pay Attention to Your Discharge

Having discharge as a by-product of your menstrual cycle is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s your vagina’s way of keeping itself clean and healthy. However, it’s important to be aware of your discharge and take note of its colour and odour. Visiting a doctor is necessary if your discharge is:

• Greenish-yellow in colour
• Blood-tinged
• Of a bad odour

One way to keep your discharge looking healthy is to begin eating the right foods that will enrich your vaginal health, as seen in the next tip.

 

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

You should keep in mind to incorporate foods like yoghurt and honey into your diet which can introduce good bacteria to your body that help prevent yeast infections. Studies have also demonstrated that with regular consumption of cranberries, whether in the form of supplements or as a juice, it can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). So, remember to nourish your vagina with the right foods.

 

Practice Safe Sex

While wearing a condom is an important aspect of safe sex and contraception, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Practicing safe sex involves a diverse set of vaginal care practices and regular testing is one such practice that can be a lifesaver. Getting regular check-ups with your doctor enables you to better inform yourselves on if you have contracted any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Detecting STIs early on is a good way to effectively address their symptoms. On the other hand, neglecting regular check-ups can result in unexpected chronic pain to your body or even significant fertility issues in the future. Thus, it is advised to schedule your check-ups as early as possible and stay ahead of any potential STIs.

Being mindful and aware of these practices is just the beginning of taking control of your vaginal health and breaking down the taboo that surrounds it. What this means is learning to be comfortable in discussing this topic and consistently incorporating these practices into your daily routine. By doing so, not only will you keep your own vaginal health in check, but also potentially welcome more women around you to feel comfortable and confident in sharing their experiences as well as knowledge about vaginal care and hygiene. Together, we can build a supportive and empowered environment for all women.

Begin your V-health journey today with the Lactacyd® Feminine Wash to ensure you and your vagina stays healthy!

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